Twins 1B Joe Mauer happy with 'normal' offseason

"I had a very productive offseason," Mauer said Saturday. "The last couple years I had a lot of things to deal with, especially last year with the concussion. I didn't really get a good base heading into the year. I feel great this year and I hope it stays that way."

Mauer believes that his vigorous stretching exercises this offseason will help keep him healthy in 2015.

"You have to pay attention to your body. I'm getting older," Mauer said. "I'm finding out what works and doesn't work. Trying to make adjustments."

Manager Paul Molitor indicated that he's noticed a difference in Mauer this spring.

"I think it means a lot for him," Molitor said. "I think coming back last year after what had happened the previous season, you always have those questions. He's got friends that have gone through it with Corey Koskie and Justin [Morneau]. We all know how validated our concern is over concussion issues. I'm sure there was a little hesitancy there. Like I said when I had a chance to visit with him this winter, he's excited to be back and not have to be concerned about those type of things."

Mauer endured a down offensive performance last season, hitting .277/.361/.371 with just four home runs in 455 at-bats.

Twins' Molitor: Joe Mauer won't hit lower than third in lineup

by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(2/26/15) Twins manager Paul Molitor is still settling on where first baseman Joe Mauer will bat in the lineup in 2015. However, he said Thursday that Mauer won't hit lower than third.

"I've toyed with how different things might shake, but it's hard to be presumptuous because we have a few positions where we don't know who that will be," Molitor said, per MLB.com. "It might influence what happens. I don't think he's going to have to worry about being anywhere on the backside of three.

"We have some people who can do things at the top of our lineup with Brian (Dozier) and Danny (Santana) up top. But I'm going to try to give some guys different opportunities to hit in different spots just to see how it goes. I think as we get to closer to the end, I'll have more of an idea of who I want to hit where."

Twins' Joe Mauer says his legs feel strong heading into 2015

Mauer was able to fully participate in an offseason training program after injuries prevented him from doing so last year. Mauer said his left knee, which has given him trouble in the past, feels strong now. :It’s tough to hit when the knee I’ve had problems with isn’t right," Mauer said. "That’s where you get your power from and the ball jumps. I feel good. I’m excited to get out there."

The 31-year-old Mauer is coming off a season in which he hit .277/.361/.371 over 455 at-bats.

Twins' Joe Mauer says he is in 'good place' heading into spring

by Sean d'Oliveira | CBSSports.com

(1/24/15) Twins first baseman Joe Mauer said he feels great physically after being able to spend the entire offseason working out and not recovering from an injury, reports the St. Paul Pioneer Press.

Mauer spent last offseason recovering from a concussion, but it appears spending the entire the offseason working out has paid off for Mauer.

"I haven't had an offseason like this in a long time," Mauer said. "Made some great strides in the gym."

In 2014, Mauer hit .277 with four home runs and 55 RBI in 455 at-bats.

Joe Mauer able to return Thursday

by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(9/25/14) Twins first baseman Joe Mauer returned to the lineup Thursday.

Mauer is dealing with an elbow issue. He's set to hit third and play first base during the game. Mauer is hitting .276/.362/.370 over 438 at-bats.

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2014 summary: Even while spared the rigors of catching, Joe Mauer couldn't avoid the disabled list, missing more than a month with an oblique strain, and the move to first base didn't do much for his offense either. For the first time in his career, Mauer struck out in more than 20 percent of his at-bats, and that led to a career-low .277 batting average. The power wasn't there for Mauer either, as he hit just four home runs and 27 doubles.

Playing time status: Injuries remain a recurring issue for Mauer, as he appeared in only 120 games last season for the Twins. He has exceeded that number of games played only once in the last four years.

2015 outlook: Even though Mauer still has line drive power, his contact skills have eroded to the degree that he is no longer an strong bet to hit .300. A power rebound still might mean only 10 home runs, and at first base, that won't give Mauer much value. At this point, the only thing that separates Mauer from James Loney is his high walk rate. That renders Mauer as a late-rounder in standard mixed leagues, and he will need a rebound to live up to that draft position now that he no longer has catcher eligibility.
(Updated 12/9/14)